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Online Petition Calls On Macy's To Sever Ties With Donald Trump

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Donald Trump is no stranger to the spotlight, but perhaps this is one that he'd rather have avoided.

Trump, who claimed credit for getting President Barack Obama to release his birth certificate, made headlines recently with his election-night Tweets calling for a "revolution" following Obama's victory. The revolution Tweets have since been deleted, but several others decrying the result remain, including one calling the electoral college a "disaster for democracy," the election itself a "total sham and a travesty," and a "disgusting injustice."

An online petition on a site sponsored by MoveOn.org, the liberal group, is calling on Macy's to sever ties with Trump.

"Macy's: Donald Trump does not reflect the 'magic of Macy's,'" the petition reads. "We urge you to sever ties with him. Macy's says it has a strong obligation to be 'socially responsible' and that 'actions speak louder than words.' Indeed, it is time to act."

"Donald Trump engages in especially unpleasant, nasty and despicable behavior," the petition continues. It goes on to allege Trump has "long engaged in sexist behavior," "hypocriticallty complained about jobs being shipped overseas to China, despite the fact that almost his entire clothing line sold at Macy's is made in China and other Asian nations," denied climate change, and "perpetuated the racially charged birther conspiracy."

The petition has drawn more than 481,000 signatures online. Its goal is 500,000 signatures. It has also generated celebrity support from Cher.

Recent Tweets suggest Trump's aware he's coming under criticism for his views.

"How come every time I show anger, disgust or impatience, enemies say I had a tantrum or meltdown," Trump Tweeted. "Stupid or dishonest people?"

"I am a very calm person but love Tweeting about both scum and positive subjects," Trump wrote. "Whenever I Tweet, some call it a tirade... totally dishonest!"

"I question the legitimacy and accuracy of the website and the number of signatures claimed to have joined this petition," Michael Cohen, Special Counsel to Donald Trump, told CBSNewYork.com. "Regardless, The Trump Organization values its long standing relationship with Macy's and looks forward to many more years of continued success."

"I find it ironic that the petition's creator - and Cher - look to limit Mr. Trump's freedom of speech yet look to expand upon theirs," Cohen added.

CBSNewYork.com has reached out to Macy's for comment.

What do you make of the petition. Should Macy's 'Dump Trump?' Sound off in our comments section below.

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